Christian-Democratic (KDH) deputy and former Justice Minister Daniel Lipsic on Friday accused the Justice Ministry of continuing to prepare and submit drafts that weaken the penal codes to the benefit of criminals. He also said that specifically the Bar Association would be happy with the amendment, while prosecutors are allegedly appalled because, if passed, the amendment would complicate criminal prosecution of offenders.
Mr. Lipsic underscored that the Justice Ministry is again supporting the wrong side, and is significantly curbing the fight against the Mafia and corruption. The former justice minister is urging Prime Minister Robert Fico to intervene in the process of adopting the amendment.
Mr. Lipsic thinks that the amendment is aimed at making life easier for all suspects of corruption and organized crime. It opens up the opportunity for all convicted people to have a Supreme Court confirmed verdict appealed once again in special proceedings. According to Mr. Lipsic's interpretation, the ministry is proposing to create the possibility to file complaints for violation of the law against all verdicts adopted before 2005. This possibility is to be given not only to the prosecutor general but also to sentenced persons. According to Mr. Lipsic, if the draft is passed, mass murderers would also be given the possibility to turn to the Supreme Court, which would have to reconsider the legitimacy of the verdict.
The Justice Ministry, however, argues that the draft introduces improvements to the Penal Order that "would enable it to persist without change for a longer period of time."
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